Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a paramount role in soil fertility and quality, by affecting almost all physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, and globally represents the largest terrestrial carbon (C) pool. Soils can be a source or a sink of green house gases, depending on land use and management.

The amount of soil organic matter (SOM) is based on delicate equilibria and processes that are a function of several ecological, pedological, climatic, and intrinsic soil factors, as well as of the anthropic impact. The natural input of plant, animal and microbial residues, adequate crop management practices, and organic amendment all contribute to the conservation and possible increase of the SOM content, which may help mitigate the global warming through the reduction of CO2 emissions.

The main aim of this session is to get together soil scientists who are trying to develop a better understanding of the structures, stabilization mechanisms, and functions of SOM, as well as of the benefits and limitations of recycling organic wastes as soil amendments. Special emphasis will be paid on the agricultural and environmental aspects related to the plant nutrient supply, soil structure formation, soil protection from degradation, pollutant fate, and C sequestration and removal from the atmosphere.